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Our lives are built around cycles: days and nights, weeks and months, the changing of the seasons, and the orbit of the earth. And in their own way these cycles lend a measure of comfort and peace to our existence- they are something we can rely on, day in and day out.

But as any mental health professional will tell you, nature's cycles do not provide enough comfort for most people. Humans also need - and thrive- on positive contact and relationships with others, as well as the security that comes from knowing that their basic needs for food, shelter and safety are being met.

Above and beyond those things, most people seek the meaning of life, and how each of them fit into The Big Picture. And while the journey of discovery may lead many of them through the doors of churches, synagogues or temples, others attend classes, seminars, and retreats. Many study scriptures and other ancient texts, and engage in prayer to their God.

But regardless of the denomination, creed or persuasion, there is one form of self-enlightenment available to every man, woman and child: it is called meditation.

Meditation, defined as deep and continual thought, is acknowledged by most to be a valuable, respected and commendable way to find answers to their most vexing questions. Yet it is not widely practiced by the majority of the populace, most viewing it as the province of mystics.

Maybe the biggest reason for not taking advantage of meditation lies in a basic misunderstanding of its benefits and nature.

For example, someone who considers themself a believer in Deity may have heard about meditation, but thinks that it is only for the more mystically-minded, like their priest or rabbi or other religious leader.

Or maybe they believe that meditation isn't a proper method of worship or enlightenment for modern-day believers, at all. It was okay for Abraham or Christ or Mohammed or Buddha, but those kinds of things aren't practiced any more. Besides, who has the time for that kind of thing?

How about the person who has no belief in any type of god, and dismisses the practice of meditation as mystical foolishness?

The sad truth is that, for whatever reason, those who think meditation is a waste of time are missing out on more than just spiritual benefits.

At its most basic level, meditation helps relieve stress and anxiety. It causes one to focus on their inner world, thus leaving the outer one behind. Doing so gives one breathing room, so to speak, and helps that person better

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